421 Collection: Dungeons & Dragons Black Box Starter Set

Welcome to this new space of curated power objects, classified and preserved for the 421 Collection. My name is Juanma La Volpe and in this series I will tell you the stories behind various collectible and rare items, with their details, anecdotes, and important information you should know in case you ever come across one.

Why we collect

Collecting is a hobby that can be driven by many different interests. Some collectors are nostalgic at heart and want to preserve something that made or makes them happy, others are more obsessive and completionist, there are also archivists -- as is my case -- and some who unknowingly build a collection out of pure enjoyment.

Collecting is an activity that brings situations like meeting new people, researching, becoming an expert, finding a story within an object and wanting to share it, or treasuring something we consider important enough to care for.

I have been through all of those, but today I think what I enjoy most about collecting is coming across objects with a great story behind them, archiving them so they are properly cared for, and telling their lore. Not everything has to be gold: sometimes a stone also has a great story.

In this first installment I will talk about the rarest Dungeons & Dragons starter box ever published in Spanish.

The new and easy to play Dungeons & Dragons

The "Black Box" by Borrás is a starter set for the updated version of the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons introduced in Spain in 1992. The edition was well received and won the "Dado de Oro 1992" award for Best Role-Playing Game. This set is an update to the "Red Box" previously published in Spain by Dalmau.

It includes a basic rulebook, a DM screen, character sheets, and dice, along with punch-out miniatures. The "Dracofichas" (Dragon Cards) are a key component, designed to teach the game mechanics quickly. Despite some errata, the manual is clear and suitable for beginners. 

The rarity of this item can be explained by the fact that shortly after the box was released, the Dungeons & Dragons license passed to the publisher Zinco, meaning this set was never reprinted. This, combined with the difficulty of finding a box in good condition with all its components (because they were played with extensively), makes it a true collector's piece. It is hard to find the Spanish version on the market, but the English edition can be obtained complete, though used, starting at around 50 USD. Sealed copies can reach up to 250 USD.

I acquired this item in 2022. I knew of its existence but had never seen one. In fact, this box always caught my attention because within the D&D world people always talk about the "Red Box," and this one was largely forgotten. That is why I became somewhat obsessed once I learned it existed. I found this B-side of the first edition fascinating.

I got the "Black Box" while buying another item, and I think this detail is important because whenever I find something that seems rare or special, I always ask the seller: do you have anything else? In this case, I found a Dark Sun manual on Mercado Libre, and when I contacted the seller, I asked what else they had. Among the photos they sent me was this box, and I did not hesitate.

Talk to sellers, learn the archetypes, and be kind.

• Title: El nuevo y fácil de jugar Dungeons & Dragons
• Date: Summer 1992 (publication in Spain)
• Rules: Timothy B. Brown
• Cover: Jeff Easley
• Publisher: Borrás Plana (TSR original)

Photos by Alejandra Morasano for 421.news